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Great Barrier Reef

It's the only living thing visible from space. The Great Barrier Reef isn't just a coral reef—it's an entire ecosystem the size of Italy: 2,300 kilometers along Australia's coast, 900 islands, 2,900 individual reefs, and an unimaginable diversity of life. When you first dip your head underwater here, it takes your breath away—it's like being inside a BBC documentary, except everything is real and happening right now.

An Underwater City

The reef was built by tiny organisms—coral polyps that over millions of years created the largest structure ever built by living creatures. More than 1,500 fi...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum1 hours
Recommended2 hours
Maximum7 hours

Entrance Fee

Adult
7 AUD~7.0 $
Child
3 AUD~3.0 $

Environmental Management Charge (EMC) reef tax. Usually included in tour prices but sometimes extra.

Best Time to Visit

June to October for best conditions - dry season, clear water, calm seas, fewer stingers. November-May is wet season with marine stingers and possible cyclones. August-November for whale watching (minke whales). Water temperature 23-29°C year-round. Visibility best June-November.

Crowd Level

Moderate — comfortable
Official Website

How to Get There

Main gateways: Cairns (CNS) - most popular, daily flights from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane. Port Douglas - 1 hour north of Cairns, upmarket. Airlie Beach - gateway to Whitsundays, 1 hour flight from Brisbane. All reef tours depart by boat, typically 1-2 hours to outer reef.

Best Photo Spot

Heart Reef from scenic flight (Whitsundays). Underwater with GoPro at any reef site. Whitehaven Beach. Cairns aquarium for up-close coral shots. Green Island aerial views.

When to Visit

Best Time

JunJulAugSepOct

Good Time

AprMayNov

Avoid

JanFebMar

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
Available
Charging
Outlets available
Mobile signal
Good

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Monday24 hours
Tuesday24 hours
Wednesday24 hours
Thursday24 hours
Friday24 hours
Saturday24 hours
Sunday24 hours
Note

Access via tours from Cairns or Airlie Beach. Day trips $105-$330, liveaboards from $440. Half-day from $89, Green Island from $107. Environmental charge $8 AUD included. Cairns is main gateway. Best season June-October (dry, no jellyfish).

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Partially accessible
Audio Guide
Available
Staff Assistance
Available

faq.title

faq.subtitle Great Barrier Reef

Climate change has caused bleaching events, but much of the reef remains vibrant. Outer reefs often in best condition. Conservation efforts ongoing. Visit responsibly and support sustainable operators.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Great Barrier Reef

Day tours from $105-300 AUD including snorkeling, lunch. Dive tours ~$260+ with included dive. Pontoon tours to reef platforms popular for non-swimmers. Liveaboard trips 2-7 nights for serious divers. Outer reef has better visibility than inner reef. Marine stinger season November-May - wear stinger suits. Reef tax ~$7 AUD per person. Sunscreen must be reef-safe.

Main gateways: Cairns (CNS) - most popular, daily flights from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane. Port Douglas - 1 hour north of Cairns, upmarket. Airlie Beach - gateway to Whitsundays, 1 hour flight from Brisbane. All reef tours depart by boat, typically 1-2 hours to outer reef.

Heart Reef from scenic flight (Whitsundays). Underwater with GoPro at any reef site. Whitehaven Beach. Cairns aquarium for up-close coral shots. Green Island aerial views.

Reviews

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